Common name: Irish yew
Botanical name: Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’
Plant type: Dwarf conifer
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
Cultural needs: Well-drained soil, sun or shade
Plant size: 6-8′ high x 2-3′ wide in 10 years, easily pruned
Discovered in Northern Ireland in 1780, Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’ is an easy-to-grow evergreen conifer for railroad gardeners. Like a skinny exclamation point, Irish yew fits into tight spaces, such as between the tracks in the photo. Line them up to form a hedge. Disperse them in the distance for a forest-like backdrop. Flank a fancy scale house or entry with two trees for a formal setting. Not bothered by pests, this tough little tree grows in sun or shade—even dry shade. Chalky soil is okay, as is a windy location. Once established, it needs little watering. The only drawback is that all plant parts are poisonous and bright red berries could make it attractive to small children, so site plants with care. Irish yews are slow growing and it will take many years for one to outgrow its allotted position. ‘Fastigiata’ means narrow, so all branches stay vertical. If you shear the branches at the tips, you’ll create way too many new tips as a result of this “pinching back.” Instead, follow a branch back to old wood and remove the entire branch at the central trunk. This Irish yew is a nice, dark green. Another variety, T.b. ‘Standishi’, has a similar columnar shape with golden needles.
